Partnering with Safaricom, Intel hopes to bring smartphones to first-time buyers in Kenya

Intel, in partnership with integrated communications provider Safaricom, announced a new entry-level smartphone designed for developing markets this week, dubbing the device the "Yolo."

The device is powered by an Atom Z2420 SoC, a 1.2GHz chip based on a 32nm process and boasting support for 1080p video and 8MP image capture. The Yolo will be an Android-based device, though the company did not indicate which version of the mobile platform would be used. It will also have a 3.5-inch screen, HSPA+ capability and support for global roaming.

Aysegul Ildeniz, Intel's regional director for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa, played up the Yolo's potential appeal to African customers.

"The new handset extends the benefits of Intel technology to more smartphone users around the world and we believe that Kenyan consumers will welcome the increased functionality and overall value of the device," she said in a statement.

Peter Arina, general manager of Safaricom's consumer business unit, highlighted the device's cost-efficiency, as well.

"The Intel-based Yolo smartphone strikes a unique balance between price and performance -- we consider it to be a real breakthrough," he said.

The Yolo's initial price is 10,999 Kenyan shillings (about $126), which includes 500MB of free data service as a starter package.

Since last year, Intel has been working to bolster its presence in the mobile market, and the company made a splash with the Motorola Droid Razr i. Intel has been apparently hesitant to attempt to challenge ARM's dominance in the U.S. directly, however, as no major Intel-powered devices have yet been made available on American carriers.